Nonprofit Assessment Tools

DISCLAIMER: This list of organizational effectiveness resources is intended for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not constitute endorsement by Impact Foundation.

Board Source Board of Directors Self Assessment SurveyThis $259 kit is designed to help nonprofit boards determine how well they are carrying out their responsibilities and to identify areas that need improvement. Confidential questionnaires allow board members to evaluate the board's performance as well as their own contribution. Objective summary reports based on results are prepared by BoardSource.

Drucker Foundation Self Assessment Tool
This tool is designed to assess the overall management system of a nonprofit including the environment in which it operates. It is used more for strategic positioning than operational improvement. Introductory set with 1 guide and 1 workbook is $38. Organizational set with Process Guide and 10 workbooks is $120. For use by board members in conjunction with senior management. Measures cover:
- Mission
- Customers
- Customer value
- Results
- Goals

Greater Twin Cities United Way Checklist of Nonprofit Organization IndicatorsFree checklist designed to help nonprofit organizations identify their administrative strengths and weaknesses and make improvements in the management operations. It can be used to achieve a beginning level of good management and improve existing management. It can also be a useful tool if an organization is experiencing management problems, to help pinpoint weaknesses so action can be taken or assistance sought to improve the organization's health. Very simple to use. Consists of a check-list of 3 ratings: met, needs work or not applicable. Areas covered include:
- Governance indicators
- Human resource indicators
- Planning indicators (organizational and program)
- Financial indicators
- Fundraising indicators

Innovation Network Organizational Assessment ToolInnovation Network is a nonprofit organization that provides evaluation consulting, training and online tools. The free Organizational Assessment tool is designed to help organizations understand their strengths and become aware of areas in need of improvement. The tool is an online survey instrument that generates a feedback report immediately after the survey is submitted.

McKinsey Capacity Assessment Grid
A free on-line diagnostic instrument that can help organizations develop a solid picture of their current organizational capacity. The assessment grid can help an organization identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement, measure changes in capacity over time, and draw out different views within an organization regarding its capacity. The tool is for youth-serving organizations but also applies to many other areas of nonprofit service.
Areas of review include:
- Aspirations
- Strategies
- Organizational skills
- Human resources
- Systems and infrastructure
- Organizational structure

Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Principles & Practices for Nonprofit Excellence
The principles and practices identified are based on values of quality, responsibility and accountability and intended to educate and provide a free tool for nonprofit organizations to evaluate their operations relative to other nonprofits, to support the growth and quality of the nonprofit sector, and to increase public understanding of the role and contributions of nonprofits. Principles and practices are described by a number of 'shoulds' and include:
- Mission and values
- Governance
- Human resources
- Financial management
- Charitable fundraising
- Public accountability and communications
- Public policy and advocacy
- Information and technology
- Partnerships and alliances